7 Under-$100 Fashion Staples I've Personally Vetted

by Kristen Nichols

I take a high-low approach to my wardrobe, with a mix of designer investment items I think are worth the splurge and lower-priced staples that are part of my regular uniform. I tend to spend more on pieces like handbags, shoes, and outerwear, and everyday basics like T-shirts, jeans, and sports bras are areas where I like to hunt down great affordable finds. That being said, I always look for high-quality pieces, no matter what the price is.

Ahead, I'm sharing the under-$100 fashion staples that I've personally vetted, and you'll spot me wearing them on repeat. From the jeans I wear more than any other pair to the retro sneakers I tell all of my friends about to the perfect white T-shirt I recently discovered, these are the affordable pieces I think are worth buying. Here, see the seven items I'm recommending.

Fashion editor staples: Levi's 501 jeans

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@kristenmarienichols

These are one of my favorite pairs of jeans, period. While I have pricier styles in my closet, I always come back to my Levi's 501 jeans because the fit is perfect. If you're looking for an under-$100 pair of jeans, this is a smart piece to buy.

Fashion editor staples: Reebok Club C 85 sneakers

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@kristenmarienichols

If you're enamored with the retro-sneaker trend, do yourself a favor and order a pair of the Reebok Club C 85 sneakers. The sneakers originally debuted in 1985, so they truly tap into throwback design.

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@kristenmarienichols

If you're on the hunt for the perfect everyday T-shirt, this is it. Developed at the brand's Paris Research and Development Center led by Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire, this isn't an ordinary tee. The material is the perfect thickness and level of softness, making it the ultimate piece for everyday layering.

Fashion editor staples: Zara faux leather blazers

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@kristenmarienichols

I had been thinking about getting a leather blazer for a while and had tried many versions on the market, but this Zara faux-leather style ultimately ended up winning out. The silhouette is slightly oversize, perfectly tapping into the '90s proportions I was after.

Fashion editor staples: Mango miniskirts

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@kristenmarienichols

For a trend-forward find, I'm recommending this miniskirt from Mango. Finished with a micro silhouette and available in of-the-moment colors pink and orange, it is a perfect way to tap into the miniskirt trend for spring without making a major investment.

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@kristenmarienichols

If you're looking for a sports bra that is great for low-impact workouts, there isn't a better style than the Indy bra from Nike. I wear this to all of my Pilates classes and always recommend it.

Fashion editor staples: Who What Wear Collection corset bodysuits

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@kristenmarienichols

I may be biased, but this corset bodysuit from Who What Wear Collection is a really great buy. While it feels as comfortable as a regular tank top, it is finished with a cool, swooping neckline that makes it the perfect date-night top. Plus, because it's a bodysuit, it stays in place.